Pages

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

So, it's official. The Red Sox are a mess, and are making their way towards irrelevance faster than a Meth addict makes his way to anywhere where there might be Meth...or to do a favor for someone that can get them Meth. Whatever. Point is they're moving very quickly in the wrong direction. Much like the aforementioned if theoretical speed-freak. And it's become clear that the team's lack of success is already taking it's toll. Not just in terms of losing begetting losing. But the accountability that made this team so easy to love during last year's run is all but gone. And with it, any credibility and hope that the team can turn their season around and contend for a playoff spot...

And that's the big thing for me. Accountability. That, combined with effort, are really all a fan can ask for from a player on their team. If the player still sucks despite giving maximum effort and owning up to their struggles? Well, then that's on the coach or GM. Dude just shouldn't be in there. But otherwise, effort and accountability remain the keys to a fan's heart. They're usually keys to success, too. But at the very least, they can buy you some good karma and give you a little

leeway when you struggle. Something that, apparently, the Red Sox players have already forgotten. Despite having used those humbling tactics so strategically to their advantage just a year ago. Now, a team whose camaraderie and willingness to take responsibility for failures made them fun to root for, has become a team that's more interested in making excuses. IE - Clay Buchoolz (he of the imminent phantom DL stint) complaining about the heat during an 84 degree game AND AJ Pierzinski (he of the "Uh oh, turns out he really is a dick and the pitchers hate him and love David Ross") refusing to slide on a close play AND Jon Lester acting as if during every start he's the victim of some massive, JFK-like umpiring conspiracy (Seriously, yell into your glove one more time. That'll fix it)...

Now, granted, these are merely specific instances, and aren't necessarily reflective of everyone on the team. And they're probably only being brought up because the Red Sox are barely holding off the Houston Astros in the AL basement (really? REALLY).But they're still worth mentioning. If for no other reason than they seem to effectively encapsulate the team's struggles and the fact they just don't seem to having a good time. Win or lose. And yes, I realize it's not easy to have fun when your'e losing all the time. But I also realize that it's that exact behavior which is supposed to be one of the defining characteristics of a "professional"...

So, yeah. Play uninspired ball, and you're fair game for aggressive scrutiny. And that's what this is. It's not that problems like Buchholz' performance and the team's struggle with runners in scoring position aren't real. They very much are. But it's just that all of those problems become magnified and generalized when the team seems apathetic towards their plight. And 2 straight wins in Atlanta aside, this Red Sox team is going to need to string together a lot more quality games before they can rid themselves of their current stink...

But two wins in Atlanta is a good place to start. So there's always that. But this is going to be about how they win as opposed to if they win for at least the next fe weeks. So there's that, too. Hey, you can';t be results orienTed. And you know this...MAN!...

Now to prove I'm not completely negative, here's some interesting news about the next season of True Detective, and here's a sports' fan friendly re/pre-cap of the first half of Mad Men's final season. I'm higher on Peggy's potential impact than is the review, and I'm really hoping for a Roger fueled frenzy to end the series. Probably one that will somehow lead to Don's death. Yeah. He dead. Just like Bertrum Cooper. Though I'm doubting don's ghost will be nearly as graceful. Freaking Dancing Bertrum. Gotta love it...

And while I hate that we have to wait so long for the final 7 episodes, it's not like I'm really going anywhere. So, whatever. I'll sweat it out and let shows like Fargo (already one of the best miniseries of ALL TIME)and Boardwalk Empire keep me company in the interim. Not sure when the latter starts, and the former is almost over. But the point is I live an uneventful life, and I'll be able to make due. Sports help. And music, too. Like the HBO Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction show, airing on May 31st. With Nirvana, KISS, The E Street Band, and Dog Stevens (Ha!) all getting the nod, I'm sure the tributes will melt the appropriate number of faceses. Faci? Meh, either way. It should make for some good watchin'...

Oh, and here's confirmation (from February??) that Rick and Mortyhas indeed been renewed for a 2nd season. Somehow that one slipped through the wickets on me (there's also a strong chance I simply forgot that I already knew). But nonetheless. It's fantastic news, and I can't wait until that diabolical son of a mother is back and pumping out all sorts of new deranged comedic happenings for the masses. I'm even holding out hope that there will be another 'Ball Fondlers' appearance. Mostly because most people don't understand that wanting that doesn't make me a pederass, Donnie. But mostly because WUBBA LUBBA DUB DUB, BITCH!

Yeah, get on board. Or don't, and just admit that you're an old bastard who's only interested in can laughter and scripted "reality". Your choice. OR you can spend all your free time posting pictures of your dog and/or baby to Facebook. Because there's no way we ALL don't see RIGHT through that into your LONELY AND EMPTY SOUL!!! OK, maybe it's not completely empty. BUT ENOUGH ALREADY, YOU RAT BASTARDS! YOU'RE RUININ' MY SUMMAHHH!

OK, maybe you're just ruinin' my Interweb, while the Red Sox are runin' my summah...which hasn't even started. Either way, you both need to stop. Please AND thank you...

And now I'm done. Hope you all enjoyed, and I'll catch you Teds next week. Be good...